Singapore sidetracks

Have breakfast at the zoo and cuddle an orang-outang. Spider monkeys range free at this zoo, which has 3000 animals and covers 28ha. It has been highly successful in breeding endangered animals, including a polar bear, a white rhinoceros and a manatee, and sends animals to wildlife parks around the world. Breakfast with an orang-outang costs $S15.45 ($19.60) or $S11.33 for children. Entry costs $S12 for adults, $S5 for children.

Pack a picnic and head to the Botanic Gardens, open from 5 am to midnight. Most weekends there is free evening entertainment. The gardens are free except for the orchid garden, which costs $S2 for adults, $S1 for children and senior citizens. Buses go along Holland Rd or Bukit Timah Rd.

Head down to the river and learn about Lion City's history aboard a bumboat. A half-hour cruise costs $S9.

Take the cable car to Sentosa Island. Adults pay $S6.90, children $S3.90.

Visit the wet market, so called because of the abundance of fresh produce. This is not for the squeamish or those who hear a voice in their head saying "free the frogs".

Try durian. It smells like wet socks and has a custardy texture and I'm still not quite sure if I've acquired a taste for this "king of fruits". Under no circumstances try to take it into a hotel.

Transit travellers with at least five hours to spare can do a free half-day city tour. Register at any of the terminal tour counters.

Visit the Sri Mariamman Temple in South Bridge Rd, the oldest and most important of Singapore's Hindu temples. It also has two Chinese-style windows and the temple draws many Chinese devotees.

Try your hand at calligraphy. Visit the Yong Gallery at 260 South Bridge Rd, where master of the brush Yong Cheong Thye will patiently introduce you to this ancient art.

Treat yourself to a Singapore Sling ($S16) in the Long Bar at Raffles.